Cardiologist reveals the daily habit behind most heart attacks and it is not stress

It is common to blame stress, diet, or lack of exercise for heart problems. But a recent Instagram post by US-based interventional cardiologist Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj has shed light on an overlooked culprit—our morning routine. According to him, the hours immediately after waking up create a “high-alert” state for the heart, making it the most vulnerable time of day.

“When you wake up, your body triggers a surge in cortisol, platelets become stickier, and blood pressure rises,” wrote Dr. Bhojraj. He explained that if people immediately push their bodies to full speed—grabbing coffee on an empty stomach, skipping hydration and medication, and rushing into work—the risk of a heart attack significantly increases.

What Research Says About Timing of Heart Attacks
Dr. Bhojraj cited a study highlighting that most heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths occur in the morning, with the peak hours being between 7 AM and 11 AM. There is also a smaller spike in the late afternoon, around 5 PM to 6 PM. These findings align with decades of cardiovascular research that links morning biological changes with increased cardiac risk.

Why Slow Mornings Can Save Lives
Instead of treating mornings like a sprint, Dr. Bhojraj recommends small but impactful changes:

• Hydrate first thing in the morning to counter overnight fluid loss.
• Take prescribed medications on time to keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control.
• Opt for a protein-rich breakfast instead of relying solely on caffeine.
• Include 10–15 minutes of light movement before jumping into the day’s workload.

“These simple adjustments can help the heart transition safely from rest to activity,” he noted in his post.

Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj is not only an interventional cardiologist but also a certified practitioner with The Institute for Functional Medicine. He is the founder of Well12, a wellness program that combines nutrition, breathwork, sleep optimization, and stress management with advanced medical approaches.

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and lifestyle factors often accelerate the risk. While diet, smoking, and stress have long been identified as threats, Dr. Bhojraj’s reminder reframes the conversation: even the way we start our day can set the tone for heart health.